The former head of Solid Energy has been called to front up to a parliamentary committee to answer questions on the failing coal company after opposition was dropped.

Matt McCarten looks into the unequal divide between different working classes.

Former Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder will almost certainly appear before Parliament's commerce committee to answer questions about the stricken coal company's problems.

This week's appearance of Solid Energy's new leadership team before a parliamentary select committee was not a particularly illuminating experience.

Prime Minister John Key says he has no problem with former Solid Energy boss Don Elder appearing before a select committee to answer questions.

Former chief executive of Solid Energy Don Elder could be forced to appear before a government select committee.

Solid Energy wants to keep secret details of the final payment made to former chief executive Don Elder.

Solid Energy's recent history begins and ends with Don Elder, the company's ambitious chief executive from May 2000 until early last month.

The Labour Party is calling for Solid Energy's former chief executive Don Elder to appear before the commerce select committee when its financial review is heard in March.

The former chairman of financially troubled Solid Energy approved a big pay rise for chief executive Don Elder in one of his last acts in the job, Labour claims.

All manner of people, policies and practices are being blamed for the near-collapse of Solid Energy, the state-owned coal company that is burdened with $389 million in debt.

The Government was worried about Solid Energy's ambitious investment plans and rosy view of coal prices as far back as 2009.

Prime Minister John Key has denied that the Solid Energy crisis and Telecom job cuts are a black mark against the Government's handling of the economy.

Solid Energy is in crisis, with a Government bailout almost inevitable, mine closures possible and further job cuts likely in another restructure to try to salvage it.

Twice in the past decade, Solid Energy has enjoyed revenue close to $1 billion, and aside from last year has returned some healthy profits - and dividends for the Government.

Solid Energy, the state-owned coal miner whose chief executive quit this month, is in talks with its banks because of its deteriorating financial position.

Long-serving Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder has joined the exodus from the top of the state-owned enterprise, his departure welcomed on the West Coast.

Editorial: The Prime Minister's first instinct over the recovery of the 29 men killed in the Pike River mine tragedy was the right one.

Solid Energy chief executive Don Elder received $1.1 million for the year to June 30 - the same year Solid Energy lost $40m and axed a quarter of its staff.

Two British miners lured to the West Coast with the promise of jobs for life with Solid Energy are now facing redundancy and could be kicked out of New Zealand.

This month's toll of job losses is striking - but it's a reflection of a slowing of the Chinese economy. It's time to look for jobs that have a future.

Close to 500 breadwinners will lose their jobs, and more than $50 million a year will be sucked out of the Greymouth economy, as Spring Creek Mine is moved into care and maintenance.

Miners were emotional after a meeting with the Minister of State Owned Enterprises, saying he had made up his mind over their proposal before the meeting began.

Miners from the West Coast and Huntly who are set to lose their jobs, will converge on parliament today as the company looks abroad for investors.

New Zealand should be "very worried" about the stability of the country's financial system and active government support is required, says a top financial strategist.